The Challenge Cup final takes place this weekend with Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants set to battle it out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams have impressed this year and they’ll fancy their chances of getting their hands on the famous old trophy tomorrow afternoon.
It could be a tight, enthralling and entertaining encounter in north London and while Wigan Warriors are the favourites, it wouldn’t be upset if the Giants won the first piece of silverware on offer this year.
Here’s how the pundits see this year’s final going.
William Jackson (Hull FC and Rugby League Live reporter)
Wigan Warriors may be the bookmakers’ favourites but I think this one is relatively evenly matched after seeing the pair impress over the first half of the Super League season. Wigan possess more firepower with the likes of Jai Field and Bevan French able to turn a game on its head within a split second.
Read more: Huddersfield Giants suffer huge injury blow on eve of Challenge Cup Final
Huddersfield, though, have an unbreakable spirit and they’re flying high with confidence right now. If the Giants are to win, Tui Lolohea, Luke Yates and Danny Levi will be key and although Theo Fages will be missed, the likes of Chris Hill, Jermaine McGillvary and Josh Jones have big game experience to call upon.
I’m picking Wigan for this one, but I don’t think it will be one-sided by any stretch of the imagination.
Winners: Wigan.
Matthew Shaw (Rugby League Live editor)
Before the 21-man squads were announced I was backing the Giants. They're hard to beat, a well-oiled machine and play perfect finals rugby league. Unlike previous years when a team not on the top table has reached a major final, this Giants team also has plenty of experience of these finals - just as much as a Wigan side with plenty of experience but a lot of youth too.
But the loss of Theo Fages is a big one, and I think he's absolutely key at the end of their sets and applying pressure. That's exactly what Huddersfield will need to beat Wigan so to lose him is a bad one. Will Pryce isn't that sort of player and Jack Cogger isn't quite of the same quality.
Throw in the fact Wigan could welcome back Tommy Leuluai and I'm just about giving them the edge. I'm not expecting a whitewash, I think it will be a low-scoring affair, but one Wigan will edge.
Winners: Wigan
Joe Appleyard (Hull KR and Rugby League Live reporter)
As much as Huddersfield, Ken Davy and Ian Watson deserve to lift the famous old trophy on Saturday afternoon, I just cannot see past another Wigan cup triumph.
Huddersfield's spine has been magnificent this season, but missing Theo Fages through injury will be a massive blow for the Claret and Golds, who may now have to move star man Tui Lolohea away from full-back, a move which will dampen the Giant's attacking threat.
The big game mentality and knowledge from the Warriors may prevail at the weekend and the wide Tottenham pitch will be significantly beneficial for the dynamic duo that is Jai Field and Bevan French. I expect the pair to be crucial to the Warriors' success tomorrow.
Winners: Wigan
Ross Heppenstall (Rugby League Live)
Huddersfield’s rise under Ian Watson has breathed much-needed passion and romance into one of rugby league’s most famous old clubs.
Watson has embraced the history and tradition of the club and taken inspiration from it. Then again, the same can be said of Matty Peet and Wigan.
The rookie head coach is winning many admirers for his work with the cherry and whites, so Saturday’s game is so tough to call.
With Theo Fages missing through injury, Huddersfield have been dealt a blow and Wigan’s notorious toughness – and big-game experience – could see them over the line in a tight affair.
Winners: Wigan Warriors
Dave Craven (Daily Mirror)
It has all the hallmarks of a classic Cup final in the making and I’m backing Huddersfield to pull off a shock.
They have developed so well under Ian Watson’s careful, diligent eye.
Yes, Wigan have game-breakers like Jai Field and Bevan French. But Giants, led by Luke Yates and Tui Lolohea, have the ability, attitude and dogged determination to cause plenty of problems of their own. And keep those Aussie stars in check.
Winners: Huddersfield
